Light weight electronic protective sheild from rocket-propelled grenades

ABSTRACT

The invention accomplishes the protection of vehicles, helicopters and other structures from attacks with rocket propelled grenades of the RPG 7 type, except of grenades of the NADER or other similar to that type. 
     Compromising of several grids of electrodes ( 1, 2, 3 ) that are placed one behind the other, of one mounting frame ( 4 ) where each grid of electrodes ( 1, 2, 3 ) is fixed only from one of its sides, while the cross side from its fixed side is tied on the mounting frame ( 4 ) with special elastic canals ( 7 ), leaving all the other sides unfixed. 
     The next grid ( 1, 2, 3 ) is fixed on the frame ( 4 ) from the side that the previous was tied with the special elastic canals ( 7 ) while it is tied with the special elastic canals ( 7 ) from the side that the previous was fixed on the frame ( 4 ). 
     It is lightweight. 
     During impact of the grenades on the shield, an electronic device ( 8 ) directs instantaneously modulated electronic pulses resulting in the instantaneous destruction of the grenades.

The invention refers to a light weight electronic shield that protectsvehicles, helicopters or any other fixed or movable constructions fromattacks with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The protection of theabovementioned constructions is accomplished by the instantaneouselectrical and mechanical destruction of all the grenades that hit thearmour.

RPG 7 rocket-propelled grenades consist of three main parts. A triggermechanism, which is usually a piezoelectric crystal, the warheadcontaining the main explosive charge and the hollow charge, and therocket that propels the grenade towards the target. Due to the simpleconstruction of a rocket-propelled grenade there are many differentmodels each with distinct technical characteristics and abilities.

Construction materials of such weapons are cheap and widely accessible,further reducing their cost and eventually making them accessible andparticularly popular even in the poorest and most underdevelopedcountries. Therefore, it is common for anyone wishing to cause death,damage and destruction to use these weapons.

The abovementioned grenades are initially launched through a launcherand then propelled to the target aided by the rocket for a distanceranging approximately to 300 m. At a distance from 50 to 110 metres fromthe exit of the launcher, grenades are exceptionally effective sincethey can reach their target and penetrate even 600 mm of armoured steelin certain cases. This potential classifies these weapons asexceptionally lethal.

Rocket-propelled grenades are low cost, low technology and easy-to-useman-portable weapons, used mainly against vehicles of all types, tanksand helicopters. They are very effective when used in operations inconfined areas, e.g. within city limits, and this is why there are everyday instances of destruction of targets with the use of such weapons.

This invention is aimed at creating a light electronic protective shieldagainst rocket-propelled grenades, which can instantaneously destroyevery incoming RPG 7 grenade except NADER or similar to that. At thesame time is light-weight (up to 12 kg/m²) so that its application anduse is simple, is cost-effective and simple to construct, is durable sothat it can sustain multiple hits, and its appearance is discrete sothat it becomes difficult for the enemy to identify.

This invention refers to a light weight electronic shield, whichprotects all types of vehicles, tanks, helicopters or any other fixedand movable constructions from attacks by rocket propelled grenades, andconsists of multiple, at least two, grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3).Moreover it consists of one exterior mounting frame (4) which supportsthe destruction surface, at least one electronic operation device (8)and at least two plugs (5) of connecting the grids of the electrodes (1,2, 3) with the electronic device (8). The electronic device (8) issupplied by either 12 or 24 VDC from common batteries.

On diagram 1 the present invention is presented only suggestively withthree grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3).

The present invention is necessary for the protection, with a fast andconvenient way, of various moving, static, self-propelled or remotelycontrolled objects, installations, military and civilian equipment,which become targets of hostile attacks. It is necessary for theinstantaneous and safe destruction of lethal RPG 7 grenades of any typelaunched against targets requiring protection. Its light weight, itsability to adjust to various shapes and dimensions, and the effectiveoperation thereof make this invention ideal for use in any application.In its more simplistic form, it can be a light protective shield, asillustrated in FIG. 1.

The above results are accomplished due to the following:

Firstly, in that the active destruction surface consists of at least onegrid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) placed one after the other keeping adistance between them, in such a manner so that they do not touch eachother and they are electrically insulated from each other, andsimultaneously being in exact alignment. These grids have openings (6),with dimensions varying between 30 and 80 mm height and 30 to 300 mmlength.

Secondly, in the special manner that the grids of the electrodes (1, 2,3) are attached on the mounting frame (4). Each grid of the electrodes(1, 2, 3) is fixed on the mounting frame (4) only from its one side,while the cross side from its fixed side is tied on the mounting frame(4) with special elastic canals (7), allowing it to move. All the othersides of the grid (1, 2, 3) remain unfixed. The next (adjacent) grid (1,2, 3) is situated reversely, namely it is fixed on the mounting frame(4) from the side that the previous was tied with the special elasticcanals (7) while it is tied with the special elastic canals (7) from theside the previous was fixed on the mounting frame (4). This arrangementis applied for all the grids (1, 2, 3) we use.

Thirdly, on the application of reversely polarized modulated electricsignal in the adjacent grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) through one atleast, electronic operation device (8). During the impact of one or moregrenades on the shield's energetic surfaces, the device (8)instantaneously directs modulated electronic pulses, which contribute tothe destruction of the grenades.

The protective shield against rocket-propelled grenades, according tothe present invention, holds many advantages.

The abovementioned shield does not use any explosives, chemical andtoxic materials, laser, nuclear energy, and transmitted radiofrequenciesor other form of electromagnetic radiation to reach the desired outcome.The use thereof is safe and there is no risk of injury or death from theuse thereof both for individuals inside the construction underprotection and for individuals around it.

The operation of the protective shield of the present invention issupported by at least one high standards electronic operation device(8), which is connected through at least two plugs (5) to the mountingframe (4), according to this invention. The operation of the shield isautomated and does not require additional handling during its operation.Therefore, this invention is simple and easy to use and operate.

Having ensured the simple operation and function/handling of theprotection system, according to this invention, total protection ofhuman lives and tangibles protected by the electronic shield is providedagainst the highly destructive consequences of and casualties induced byRPG 7 rocket-propelled grenades, after they have collided with thedesired target.

Provided that the operation of this invention is continuous, permanentprotection of the target shielded by this invention is accomplished.Such targets can be vehicles, tanks, aircrafts, buildings, etc. Thisinvention can also resist multiple hits from rocket-propelled grenadeswithout losing the effectiveness thereof.

Furthermore, in the case that the openings (6) of the grids (1, 2, 3)are partially covered, the shield is transparent so that the individualsinside the construction protected by this shield e.g. vehicles, can seeoutside.

To further simplify the present invention, the design and constructionthereof are such that enables the shield to acquire any shape anddimension, according to the application. The total weight of the shield,including the grids (1, 2, 3), the mounting frame (4) and a layer ofinsulating or elastic material, is very small and can reach 12 kg perm², it is possible to further decrease its weight.

The entire operation of the present invention is continuous and theeffectiveness thereof is not affected by any external factor, since itscompact and solid construction in combination with the high standardsupport thereof by at least one electronic support unit (8) do not allowany intervention.

The simple and flexible design of the shield allows its easy and fastinstallation and removal from the construction to be protected, withoutnecessitating specialised and numerous personnel.

The construction and the way of operation of the present invention,along with its applications and advantages, will be more tangible withthe following description with the help of the figures, which reflectthe shield of the present invention with three grids of electrodes (1,2, 3), that create a bronch, the number of electrodes (1, 2, 3) in thefigures are only as an example:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the protective shield againstrocket-propelled grenades, according to the present invention,consisting of three grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3), only as an example,and the mounting frame (4). Each grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is firmlyfixed on the mounting frame (4), only from one side, while it is tightenwith special elastic canals (7) on the mounting frame (4) from theopposite site. The mounting frame (4) has two plugs (5) that connect theelectrodes (1, 2, 3) to the electronic device (8).

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the protective shield fromrocket propelled grenades, according to the present invention, at theinstant that a bronch is created by the adjacent grid of electrodes (1,2, 3) when the grenade enters in the protective shield.

The mounting frame (4) is necessary for the mounting of the destructionsurfaces on it so as to achieve the desired form and operation, moreoverit is necessary for the installation of the shield in place where aparticular construction is to be protected.

FIG. 1 illustrates how each grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is attached onthe mounting frame (4), in such a way as to have its one side firmlyfixed on the frame (4), while its opposite side is not in contact withthe frame (4) and is tighten with special elastic non-conductive canals(7), this allows each grid (1, 2, 3) to move in a particular distance inrelation to the frame (4).

The mounting frame (4) is manufactured, preferably, with materials likemetal or metallic alloys or synthetic materials (f.ex. carbon fibers ordyneema) of high endurance and has adequate thickness so it can supportthe grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3). This mounting frame (4)constitutes the supporting fixture for all the grids of electrodes (1,2, 3) that are used.

Each grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is manufactured with a material ofhigh breaking force and flexibility with low weight, so as not to bedestroyed while the grenade hits the shield, so that the grenade entersthe grids (1, 2, 3), that create a bronch at that instant and stranglesthe grenade. The grids (1, 2, 3) can have cross section from 2 to 10 mm.

The grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) are placed in a consecutive mannerso as not to be in contact between them and their openings (6) are intotal alignment. The openings (6) of the grids (1, 2, 3) can have width,from 30 to 80 mm and length from 30 to 300 mm.

Each grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is firmly fixed on one side of themounting frame (4), so that its adjacent grid (1, 2, 3) is firmly fixedon the opposite-parallel side of the frame (4).

The grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) are attached on the sides of theframe (4) in a particular way, which is described analytically below.The grids (1, 2, 3) are attached in such a way as to have oppositepolarity successively.

In order to firmly fix the grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) on the sides ofthe frame (4), each side of the frame (4) has holes coated withinsulators. These holes are situated in particular distances betweenthem along every side of the frame (4), so that the electrodes can passthrough them and create the grid (1, 2, 3).

All the grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) can be covered with whicheverinsulating or plastic material, as long as it is easy to be perforated,material which can cover the total thickness of the frame (4), with thepossibility of partial or complete covering of the openings (6) of thegrids (1, 2, 3) according to the application.

On the mounting frame (4), in appropriate positions, two plugs (5) areplaced so as to enable the connection of the grids of electrodes (1, 2,3) with the electronic device (8) (or devices in case we have more thanone). The operation of the system can be accomplished with the use of aplug connector.

The electronic operation device (8) supplies momentarily modulatedelectronic pulses of high intensity in all the grids of electrodes (1,2, 3), in such a way so that the grids (1, 2, 3) have different polaritysuccessively, for that reason the grids (1, 2, 3) are electricallyinsulated with each other.

The reverse polarity of the grids (1, 2, 3) has as a result the instantthat the grenade impacts and enters the openings (6) of the grids (1, 2,3), that form a bronch, to create a short circuit on the metallicsurface of the grenade and at the same time the electronic device (8)directs instantaneously electronic pulses of very high intensity at thepoints where the grenade touches the grids (1, 2, 3). This results inthe tempering of the metallic surface of the grenade on the points ofcontact with the electric charged grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) and thedestruction of the conductors that carry the detonation signal from thepiezoelectric crystal to the detonation mechanism resulting in theprevention of the detonation of the hollow charge of the grenade.

On diagram 2 the method of attaching the grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3)on the supporting frame (4) is illustrated, as it is described above, itis also illustrated that this method permits each grid (1, 2, 3) fromone hand to have a degree of elasticity, on the other hand and becauseof the fact that the sequential grids (1, 2, 3) have apposite sides offixation on the frame (4) they move on the opposite direction when theincoming grenade enters the openings (6) of the grids (1, 2, 3) creatinga bronch. The momentum of the grenade during its entrance on theopenings (6) of the grids (1, 2, 3) forces the grids (1, 2, 3) to movetowards opposite directions resulting in the development of oppositeforces on the metallic ogive of the grenade. These opposite forces areapplied on the contact points of the grenade with the grids of theelectrodes (1, 2, 3) and result in the choking of the grenade.

These forces are applied on the spot of the metallic ogive of thegrenade, which has been tempered, because it is in contact with theopposite polarized grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) at the same instant, asa result the grenade breaks in these spots. Consequently, thedestruction of the main body of the grenades is achieved and inextension the destruction of the hollow charge and the conductors thattransfer the detonation command, retaining in parallel untouched thepiezoelectric crystal, which is situated in the front tip of thegrenade, before the detonation command of the hollow charge is given.

1. Light weight electronic shield that protects from rocket propelledgrenades, compromising of: a. One active surface that destructs thegrenades consisting of at least two grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3). b.One exterior mounting frame (4), which encloses the active destructionsurface. c. One at least electronic operation device (8), whichinstantaneously directs modulated electronic pulses that contribute inthe destruction of the grenades. d. Two at least connection plugs (5) ofthe electrodes (1, 2, 3) with the electronic operation device (8). e. Alayer that covers the grid of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) made of aninsulating or plastic material, that covers the total thickness of theframe (4) and is characterized by the fact that each grid of electrodes(1, 2, 3) is placed one behind the other, in such a manner so that theopenings (6) of the grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) are in totalalignment, without coming in contact, furthermore by the fact that eachgrid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is fixed on the mounting frame (4) onlyfrom its one side, while the cross side from its fixed side is tied onthe mounting frame (4) with special elastic canals (7) leaving all theother sides of the grids (1, 2, 3) unfixed, and is also characterized bythe fact that the next of that grid (1, 2, 3) is fixed on the frame (4)from the side that the previous was tied with the special elastic canals(7) while it is tied with the special elastic canals (7) from the sidethe previous was fixed on the frame (4), is such a way so that theadjacent grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) have opposite sides of fixationon the frame (4).
 2. Light weight electronic shield that protects fromrocket propelled grenades, according to claim 1, characterized by thefact that the openings (6) of the grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) havedimensions 30 to 80 mm height and 30 to 300 mm length in order toachieve the destruction of the main body of the grenades and inextension the deactivation of the hollow charge and the conductors thattransfer the detonation command, retaining untouched the piezoelectriccrystal placed in the front tip of the grenade, averting the command forthe detonation of the hollow charge.
 3. Light weight electronic shieldthat protects from rocket propelled grenades, according to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the adjacent-sequential grids of theelectrodes (1, 2, 3) are reversely polarized.
 4. Light weight electronicshield that protects from rocket propelled grenades, according to claim1, characterized by the fact that the electronic operation device (8) issuitably connected to the grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) so thatduring the contact of the metallic ogive of the grenade with at leasttwo adjacent grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) to direct instantly very highpower electronic pulses on the points of contact of the grenade with thegrids (1, 2, 3).
 5. Light weight electronic shield that protects fromrocket propelled grenades, according to claim 1, characterized by thefact that the momentum of the grenade during its entrance on theopenings (6) of the grids (1, 2, 3) forces the adjacent grids (1, 2, 3)to move towards opposite directions in such a way as to develop oppositeforces on the metallic ogive at the points where the grenade comes incontact with the electrodes of the grids (1, 2, 3) resulting in thecreation of a bronch and the “choking” of the grenade.
 6. Light weightelectronic shield that protects from rocket propelled grenades,according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the mounting frame(4) is manufactured with materials like metal or metallic alloys or anysynthetic material (e.g. carbon fibers or/and dyneema) of high enduranceand has adequate thickness so it can support the grids of the electrodes(1, 2, 3).
 7. Light weight electronic shield that protects from rocketpropelled grenades, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thateach grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is manufactured with a material ofhigh breaking force and flexibility with low weight, so as not to bedestroyed while the grenade hits the shield, but the grenade to enterthe grids of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) that create a bronch thatstrangles the grenade at these points and by that the cross section ofthe grid can be from 2 to 10 mm.
 8. Light weight electronic shield thatprotects from rocket propelled grenades, according to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the layer that covers the grids of theelectrodes (1, 2, 3) is manufactured with whichever insulating orplastic material, as long as it is easy to be perforated by thegrenades.
 9. Light weight electronic shield that protects from rocketpropelled grenades, according to claims 1 and 8, characterized by thefact that the covering layer of the grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) coverspartially or totally the openings (6) of the grids of the electrodes (1,2, 3) depending on the application.
 10. Light weight electronic shieldthat protects from rocket propelled grenades, according to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the shields can be manufactured inseveral dimensions and shapes.
 11. Light weight electronic shield thatprotects from rocket propelled grenades, according to claims 1 to 10,characterized by the fact that it is used to protect armored or notvehicles, airplanes, ships, any installation static or mobile fromattacks with rocket propelled grenades of the RPG 7 type, exceptgrenades of the NADER or similar to them type.